Our strategy is following our mission
01
Step 01
We have big ambitions that stretch as far as every corner of the earth. To make clean mobility accessible to everyone, everywhere. We'll pave the way with a first, low volume series. The first series proves our revolutionary car, showing the world just how far clean solar kilometres can take us. Delivering the first highly-efficient solar car is a critical step - but we're honest - it won't create the environmental impact we're aiming for. But it will lay inroads for it to follow.arrow
02
Step 02
We’ll make the car accessible for everyone, by delivering a high-volume car at an affordable price point, with all the benefits of its low-volume predecessor.
Let us introduce ourselves
Through innovation, dedication, and daring, we are shaping the future. Our idea is simple. To offer clean, renewable mobility for all. To make this a reality, we must overcome countless obstacles. But at Lightyear, we think differently. We work to create our own solutions.
An idea born from a finish line
June 2022
Global premiere of Lightyear 0
January 2021
Lightyear produces the world's most efficient electric car to date
December 2021
LeasePlan reserves 5,000 Lightyear 2 cars to add to their fleet
September 2021
Lightyear reaches $110M (€93M) funding milestone in 2021 YTD
July 2021
The first performance test with Lightyear Validation Prototype is conducted
May 2021
We reveal our first-ever validation prototype, paving the way for real-life testing.
March 2021
Lightyear successfully closes $45M funding round
December 2020
TRL 7 is achieved. Our Vehicle Performance Model (VPM) is finetuned and we start developing Lightyear 2.
June 2020
Our first Lightyear Research Vehicles hit the road
November 2019
We’re awarded TIME Best Inventions
October 2019
We set records with the Lightyear One prototype as the most aerodynamic family car ever.
June 2019
We show the world what a future of clean mobility looks like by unveiling our Lightyear One prototype.
June 2018
We mature. Our first patents are filed.
June 2017
We share our vision with the world, publicly launch the Lightyear brand, and secure our first Lightyear reservation.
November 2016
Idea becomes reality: Lightyear is officially founded and incorporated.
October 2015
Eindhoven defends its title by winning the World Solar Challenge again with Stella Lux.
Lightyear in Numbers
2016
Founded in September
49
Patents filed
544
Employees incl. interns
4
World solar championships
43
Nationalities
9 billion
Media coverage (global reach)
The founders
Lex Hoefsloot
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Arjo van Ham
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Martijn Lammers
Chief Strategy
Qurein Biewenga
Treasurer
Koen van Ham
Chief Design
Advisors
Our advisors provide valuable advice within their areas of expertise, as well as help us connect to their network.
Bob O'Connor
Partner at Wilson Sonsini
Ton Backx
President Institute for Photonic Integration TU/e
Lowie Vermeersch
Design Director of Pininfarina
Camilla van den Boom
Strategy Director at Sturm
Jelle Vastert
Former Director of Global EV Charging at Tesla
Floris van de Klashorst
Former Senior VP Mobility Services at VW Group and VP Connected Driving at HERE
Invest in Lightyear
Invest in a clean future
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About Lightyear
We design for independence and convenience. We create clean solar electric cars that can drive off-grid and into all of life's adventures.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 848620